Ok...I've got a question for all you pollen daubers! I have read many times that you can store pollen from early blooming varieties to cross with later blooms and you can even ship pollen to trade with other people. So my question is how do you store it? What kind of containers will keep from rubbing off the pollen? Do you refrigerate it? How long will the pollen stay viable? And do you have any other tips you can share?

I have only heard about it, but never tried it. I'm too much of a beginner to be of much help.

I ,also, only know "what I've read", but......what I gather is , the anthers are placed in small envelopes ( I assume those little 'waxed paper'" ones, like seeds are sometimes in), and then placed in a padded mailing envelopes ,and mailed off . I suppose to store it for "home use', you would want to refrigerate it (or possibly even freeze it ) , I think as long as it is kept dry enough to not get moldy...it should be alright. Lucy, or Dee would know much more about it...and have "practical" experience!

We use coin envelopes & put them in a container with a drying powder in the frig to use later on during the season. I was given the silicon envelopes to freeze pollen, but have never done so.

I'm not familiar with coin envelopes...I assume I can get some at the local coin shop?

Yes, Marilyn.

Marilyn, coin envelopes are a small (about 2 1/2 inches by 4 inches?) manila envelopes. You can also get them at a stationary store.

Available at Staples.

Thanks everyone!

Probably also at Michaels or any other craft store as well..

Good. Even my busted up arms can manage small plant parts and small envelopes. Weeds may abound this year, but I will have fun making seed pods.

Agreed!

That's a great attitude, Linnea, and staying positive is important while healing. I often have to remind myself to focus on what I can do rather than what I can't.